Got to be N.C. Festival

The Got to be N.C. Festival is coming up this weekend, May 17-19, 2013. If you're visiting Raleigh and interested in trying local N.C. products, you're in for a treat. Bring your friends and family to this annual festival for a down-home celebration of N.C. I guarantee you'll have a fun, Foodie-filled weekend at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. Another perk is that gate admission and parking are both free!

The N.C. State Fairgrounds will be lined with independent N.C. food vendors. Take a stroll in the beautiful weather as you enjoy festival delights from the numerous vendors. One of my favorite foods during the festival is the roasted corn. Do me a favor and please get your earn of corn dipped in butter! You'll find a plethora of grilled, fried and roasted foods just calling your name.

After taking in all of the sights and smells during the outdoor portion of the festival, make sure to head inside for the Got to be N.C. Festival Food, Wine and Beer Expo. During the Expo, you'll explore what is grown fresh and local in N.C. The Expo gives companies in N.C. the opportunity to sample and sell their products like meats, snacks, desserts, pickles, breads, sauces and more. Breweries and wineries will also be sampling and selling their products. Admission to the Expo is $2 for adults and free for children 11 and under. Each attendee will receive a sheet of 24 coupons that are good towards many of the delicious products at the Expo. The 2013 Expo line-up looks fantastic and features many companies from Greater Raleigh like The Cake Pop Shop, Aviator Brewing Company, Lumpy's Ice Cream, The Cookie People and more.

On Sat., more than 40 chapters of Masons will gather for the 6th Annual Masonic Pig Jig for a BBQ cook-off. Food will be served to the public after judging occurs on Sat. morning at 11am. Tickets are $15 for ages 12 and over, $5 for ages 7-11 and free for ages 6 and under. All of the ticket proceeds go towards a great cause, supporting the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford. World Boxing Association Heavyweight Champion James "Bonecrusher" Smith will also make an appearance during the Pig Jig, so don't miss out!

You can also eat for a cause all three days during the Got to be N.C. Festival at the Shriner’s Fish Fry. The Amran Shriners will be serving Calabash-style seafood from N.C. You can enjoy a mouth-watering plate of N.C. whiting for $8 or flounder for $10. Each plate is served with hushpuppies, coleslaw and french fries.

Written by local Foodie, Kristen. Follow her foodie adventures on Twitter!